Machine for dismantling tube bundles

ABSTRACT

This invention is related to an improved machine for dismantling tube bundles in a manner more efficient than has heretofore been known in the prior art. The tube dismantling machine is capable of effectively removing a plurality of tubes at a single time. The improvement is directed towards locating a tube bundle end that has been cut-off to remove a tube sheet, adjacent and in operative relation to a pair of cooperating parallel rollers. An operator is used to feed successive tubes toward the rollers until they are frictionally engaged thereby. The rollers are rotated in a direction to continue the movement of the tubes from the bundle. After a particular row of tubes has been removed, the rollers are remotely controlled so as to move in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the tubes, and thereby position the rollers in operative relation with another row of tubes to be removed.

United States Patent 1 Ohmstede [451 Sept. 24, 1974 MACHINE FOR DISMANTLING TUBE BUNDLES [75] Inventor: Gene E. Ohmstede, Beaumont, Tex.

[73] Assignee: Ohmstede Machine Works, lnc.,

Beaumont, Tex.

[22] Filed: May 31, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 365,560

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 260,443, June 7, 1972, Pat. No.

Primary ExaminerThomas H. Eager Attorney, Agent, or FirmCushman, Darby & Cushman [5 7 ABSTRACT This invention is related to an improved machine for dismantling tube bundles in a manner more efficient than has heretofore been known in the prior art. The tube dismantling machine is capable of effectively removing a plurality of tubes at a single time. The improvement is directed towards locating a tube bundle end that has been cut-off to remove a tube sheet, adjacent and in operative relation to a pair of cooperating parallel rollers. An operator is used to feed successive tubes toward the rollers until they are frictionally engaged thereby. The rollers are rotated in a direction to continue the movement of the tubes from the bundle. After a particular row of tubes has been removed, the rollers are remotely controlled so as to move in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the tubes, and thereby position the rollers in operative relation with another row of tubes to be removed.

5 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures MACHINE FOR DISMANTLING TUBE BUNDLES This is a division of application Ser. No. 260,443, filed June 7, 1972 which issued Jan. 15, I974, as U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,026.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART In the refinery and petro chemical industry, tube bundles are commonly constructed with a plurality of tubes mounted into holes of a tube sheet. Tube bundles utilized in such industries, function as heat exchangers. In the servicing and especially in the dismantling of these tube bundles, much time has been consumed in performing laborious and expensive procedures. These procedures normally entail the practice of attaching a winch or a forklift truck to a single tube after the tube has been removed several inches from the tube bundle and thereafter pulling the tubes one at a time. The winch or forklift truck must be moved a distance at least greater than the length of the tube and then moved back again to the tube bundle end so as to be able to pull another single tube. Consequently, such methods consume unnecessary time and use expensive equipment.

The aforenoted disadvantages, aswell as others, are overcome by the improved machine of the present invention. The instant invention introduces significant improvements over the prior art by providing a machine that operates at a faster rate in dismantling tube bundles, thereby saving time and money. This increased rate is derived by a machine having an increased roller length and improved movement mechanisms for the rollers. This improved movement of the rollers permit them to be positioned so that it is possible to selectively align them with all the tubes of the bundle, thereby facilitating the quick removal of all of said tubes when they are forcibly fed therebetween.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the instant invention to dismantle a tube bundle by an improved tube pulling apparatus. The operation of the apparatus includes positioning a tube bundle that has an end cut-off so as to expose the ends of the tubes cut-off adjacent to and in operative relation to a pair of parallel cooperating rollers on the tube pulling apparatus. The rollers are adapted to have several types of movements and said movements are all remotely controlled by an operator located at the end opposite the cut-off end. The rollers are moved in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the tubes of the bundle to any selected position where it is desired to feed tubes from the bundle so as to be engaged by the rollers. The rollers have an increased length along their axes so as to accommodate, therebetween, more than one tube from any single row. The operator feeds selected tubes successively towards the rollers. The rollers are actuated to have rotational movement imparted thereto. The rotation and spacing of the rollers produce a gripping force on the tubes to remove the tubes so fed, from the bundle. In addition, if the gripping force on the tubes is desired to be increased, the spacing between the rollers is decreased by remotely controlling the movement of one ofthe rollers toward the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevational view of a machine which embodies the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view partly in section as seen in the direction of arrows from the line 22 of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG. I, there is shown a tube dismantling machine 10 comprising the subject matter of the instant invention. The machine 10 is comprised of a machine frame F, having two vertical slide columns 12 both secured at their lowermost portions to a lower support base 14. The base 14 is provided with wheels 16 attached thereto and adapted to cooperate with tracks 18, so as to provide the machine 10 with means for movement. Fixedly mounted on the vertical columns 12 at their uppermost portion is a horizontal sup port 20. Positioned in the middle of the support member is a carriage movement means 21 which includes an electric motor 22 that rotates a drive winch 24 in either of two directions of rotation, as indicated by arrows A. The motor 22 is operatively connected to a remote control power means 25 (see FIG. 2). Also mounted on the support 10 are two freely rotatable pulleys 26 which are so positioned that each of the pulleys 26 is located at each end of the support member. The drive winch 24 has a cable drum 28 connected thereto, also as seen in FIG. 2, and attached thereto are ends of a pair of cables 30. The cables 30 are wound upon the cable drum 38 in opposite directions, so that when the winch 24 is rotated in one direction, the cables will synchronously move outwardly from the drum and when rotated in the other direction, will synchronously move inwardly toward the drum. The other ends of the cables are suitably engaged to a movable carriage 32. i

The carriage 32 is provided with grooves 34 that are in sliding engagement with guides 36 on vertical columns l2. Rotatably mounted on the carriage, by means to be described later, is an upper friction roller 38 and a lower friction roller 40. These two rollers are parallel to each other and cooperate to provide the necessary frictional gripping force to withdraw the tubes as they are fed therebetween. The rollers are so dimensioned that they have a length along their axes that is greater than the diameter of an end-faced area of the tube bundle. The rollers 38 and 40 are drivingly connected to shafts 42 and 44, respectively, and can be comprised of a variety of wear-resistant materials.

These two shafts are in turn adapted to be rotatably driven by a pair of hydraulic motors 46, 48, respectively, which are mounted to the sides of the carriage 32. The motors are operated by conventional solenoid i valve means (not shown). The valves are in turn operatively connected to the remote control powermeans 25 and are responsive to the actuation of the latter. The carriage further includes a cross-bar 50 that extends transversely between the vertical columns 12. A gripping adjustment means 51, for movably positioning the the rollers relative to each other includes, an intermittently drive motor 52 which is positioned on the crossbar. Extending from opposite ends in the motor 52 are a pair of shafts 54. Both shafts 54 extend into gear housings 56 which are also suitably secured to the carriage. Gear housings 56 accommodate appropriate gear mechanisms such as worm gears (not shown) that produce rotation and vertical translation of jack screws 58.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown the other structure which also comprises the gripping adjustment means 5] for positioning the rollers relative to each other. An opening 60 is provided in the side of the carriage 32. This opening furnishes sufficient space for the movement therein of a pair of slide blocks 62. The slide blocks are also provided with conventional bearing means (not shown) that rotatably support the shaft 42 of the hydraulic motor 48. The jack screws 58 are operatively connected with the slide blocks 62, so that upon rotation and vertical translation of the jack screws relative to the gear housings 56, the slide blocks will follow the vertical movement of said jack screws. As can be seen by the arrows B, the jack screws 58 can move either upwardly or downwardly, thereby varying the distance between the rollers 38 and 40 so as to vary the gripping force exerted on the tubes 67 which are fed therebetween.

A cradle means 64 is anchored to the ground by apppropriate means (not shown). The cradle can be any type of support which will hold a tube bundle 66 by its baffles 68'. ln this preferred embodiment, the cradle is an H-beam having its flanges 70 contact the ground and the baffles 68 of the bundle. Placed upon the tube bundle is another cradle 72 in the form of an l-l-beam. This H-beam is also positioned so as to have flanges 74 thereon, contact the baffles of the bundle. Cables 76 are wrapped around the cradle 72 and are conventionally secured to the ground. The combined effect of the cradles 64, 72 and cables 76 is to effectuate a firm holding or anchoring action on the tube bundle 66, with sufficient force to prevent the entire tube bundle from movement towards the machine 10, when the tubes 67 are withdrawn longitudinally outwardly therefrom, by the cooperating action of the rollers. The tubes are normally frictionally held within a stationary tube sheet 78 and the baffles 68.

The machine is additionally equipped with a locking mechanism 80. The locking mechanism permits the machine to besecurely fixed relative to the tube bundle 66 so as to thereby maintain the machine in a stationary position so that it will not be subject to movement during operation thereof. The locking mechanism includes, a brace 82 and a bracket 84 that connects the brace to the machine. The brace 82, further comprises two side walls (one of which is shown) that straddle a cient locking action is obtained.

The apparatus of the present invention operated in i the following manner. First, a floating tube sheet (not shown) is cut-off from the bundle 66. For a more detailed description of cutting offa tube bundle end reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 3,592,946. The bundle then assumes the configuratiomas shown in FIG. 2. For

further ease in dismantling the tubes, the stationary tube sheet 78 can also be removed. The bundle is thereafter placed upon the cradle 64, so that only the baffles 68 actually contact the flanges 70 of the cradle 64. The

cut-off end 69 of the bundle is located adjacent the cooperating parallel rollers 38 and 40. Another cradle '72 is then lowered onto the bundle 66 so that its flanges 74, contact the baffles of the bundle. Thereafter, chains 76 are wrapped upon the upper cradle 72 and anchored to the ground so as to secure the bundle 66 relative to the ground.

When it is desired to begin the removal operation, an operator stationed at the end 71 opposite the cut-off end 69 manipulates the remote control means 25. The remote control 25, as aforementioned, is operative to effect functioning of the motor 22, the hydraulic motors 46, 48, and the intermittently driven electric motor 52.

The operator, by appropriately manipulating the remote control 25 actuates the motor 22 so as to cause rotation of the drum 28. Depending upon the direction of said rotation of the drum 28, the cables 30 will move synchronously inwardly or outwardly therefrom to thereby raise or lower the rollers 38 and 40 mounted on the carriage 32. This raising and lowering of the rollers as aforenoted, is preformed in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the parallel co-extensive tubes 67. The position of the rollers can be selectively moved to various positions, whereby the space 39 between the rollers is axially aligned with any of several tubes desired to be removed.

The operator, then forcibly drives selected individual tubes 67 successively longitudinally outwardly from the bundle 66 by appropriate means (e.g., pneumatic hammer). The tubes thusly driven are moved a distance sufficient in length until they are frictionally grabbed between the cooperating rotating parallel rollers. If it is desired to remove a plurality of tubes from a single row of tubes, other operators forcibly drive on the tubes. The rollers are caused to rotate due to their operative connection with the hydraulic motors 46, 48. The control 25 is manipulated so as to selectively control the operation of the hydraulic motors through the connection with the conventional solenoid valve. The direction of the rotation of the rollers is such that it will aid in continuing to exert a pulling force on the tubes that have been longitudinally moved towards and between the cooperating rollers. The outer peripheries of the rollers each apply a continuous and progressive force along the length of each tube as they are removed from the bundle 66. The applied forces of each roller are directed to the exterior of the tube or tubes 67 by a longitudinal and a transverse component. The forces applied are sufficient in magnitude to grip and press the tubes fed therebetween so as to continue the further longitudinal extrication of the tubes away from the bundle until the tubes have been completely removed from the bundle.

When it is desired to adjust the gripping forces so as to remove tubes that are difficult to extricate from the bundle, the operator, by manipulating the remote control 25 effects movement of said rollers relative to each other. Controls 25 will be operative to cause the intermittently driven motor 52 to function. The shafts 54 of the motor 52 will begin to rotate so as to thereby drivingly move the upper frictional roller 38 towards the lower frictional roller 40, through the agency of the transmission mechanisms found in the gear housing 56 and the simultaneous action of the jackscrews 58 and slide block 62. This increased co-action of the rollers will be sufficient to deform the exterior surfaces of the tubes 67 and provide a more efficient and effective removal force on the tubes.

In view of the aforementioned detailed description and operation of the machine 10, it becomes readily apparent that the device of the present invention is more efficient and economical than previous prior art devices. The time and cost savings are the result of the machines increased maneuverability and controlled adjustment of the rollers. The number of tubes pulled at a single time is increased because each roller has a length which is large enough to accommodate all the tubes 67 of a single row of the tube bundle 66. The instant invention further provides added maneuverability to the rollers 38 and 40, by providing them with movement on the carriage 32 in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the parallel tubes. This movement permits the space 39 between the rollers to move to any appropriate end faced area of the tube bundle 66 so as to present the space to various levels of the tubes that are desired to be removed. Additionally, the gripping force applied by each of the rollers to the exterior of the tubes as the tubes are fed therebetween can be varied so as to enhance the removal of the tubes.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the essence of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features which fairly constitute essential characteristics of the aspects of the contribution to the art and, therefore, such adaptation should be and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of the equivalence of the claims.

What is claimed is novel and unobvious and desired to be protected by Letters Patent as set forth in the appended claims:

1. Apparatus for use in dismantling a tube bundle of the type including, a multiplicity of co-extensive parallel tubes having their ends engaged within tube sheet members and intermediate portions extending through a plurality of longitudinally spaced baffle members, wherein the tube bundle at the ends of the tubes adjacent at least one of said tube sheet members is cut-off so as to have the adjacent tube sheet member removed from the bundle, said apparatus comprising:

a frame adapted to be mounted in operative relation with an anchored cut-off bundle adjacent the cutoff end thereof,

a longitudinally co-extensive pair of cooperating parallel rollers of a longitudinal extent substantially greater than the adjacent distance between three tubes of the bundle,

means mounting said rollers on said frame with their axes disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the tubes and in closely spaced relation to the cut-off ends of said tubes (l) for movement together within aid plane throughout an area at least equal to the area of said cut-off tube ends so that the opposed peripheral portions of said rollers can be axially aligned with any tube of the bundle (2) for relative movement toward and away from each other, (3) for rotational movement about their axes, and

power means operative from a position adjacent the opposite end of said bundle for effecting l movement of said rollers together in said plane into a selected position of movement in axial alignment with a selected tube, (2) said relative movement of said rollers toward and away from each other so as to adjust the pressure applied to a tube fed therebetween, and (3) said rotational movement thereof to move a tube pressed therebetween longitudinally outwardly of the bundle.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for effecting said movement of said rollers together comprises:

a prime mover means,

a cable means, said cable means operatively connected with said means mounting said rollers and said prime mover means, said power means upon being actuated is operative to effect motion of said cable means to thereby transmit motion to said means mounting said rollers for said movement of said rollers together.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said means for effecting said relative movement of said rollers toward each other comprises:

a screw means connected to one of said rollers,

a motor means mounted on said means for mounting said rollers for said relative movement,

said motor means operatively connected to said screw means to effect motion thereto,

said power means operative upon actuation to produce motion of said motor means which in turn imparts motion to said screw means to thereby produce said relative movement of said rollers towards each other.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said means to effect said rotational movement of said rollers comprises a drive means operatively controlled by said power means.

5. Apparatus for use in dismantling a tube bundle of the type including a multiplicity ofco-extensive parallel tubes having their ends engaged within tube sheet members and intermediate portions extending through longitudinally spaced baffle members, wherein the tube bundle has the ends of the tubes adjacent at least one of said tube sheet members is cut-off so as to have the adjacent tube sheet member removed from the bundle, said apparatus comprising:

a frame adapted to be mounted in operative relation with an anchored cut-off bundle adjacent the cutoff end thereof,

a longitudinally co-extensive pair of cooperating parallel rollers of a longitudinal extent substantially greater than the distance between three adjacent tubes of the bundle,

means mounting said rollers on said frame with their axes disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axes oftubes and inclosely spaced relation to the cut-off ends of said tubes l) for movement together with said plane throughout an area at least equal to the area of said cut-off tube ends so that the opposed peripheral portions of said rollers can be axially aligned with any tube of the bundle, (2) for relative movement toward and away from each other, (3) for rotational movement about their axes,

means for effecting said movement of said rollers together in said plane into a selected position of movement in axial alignment with a selected tube,

means for effecting said relative movement of said rollers toward and away from each other to vary pressure to a tube fed therebetween, and means for effecting rotational movement of one of said rollers about its axis so as to move a tube pressed between said rollers longitudinally outwardly of said bundle. 

1. Apparatus for use in dismantling a tube bundle of the type including, a multiplicity of co-extensive parallel tubes having their ends engaged within tube sheet members and intermediate portions extending through a plurality of longitudinally spaced baffle members, wherein the tube bundle at the ends of the tubes adjacent at least one of said tube sheet members is cut-off so as to have the adjacent tube sheet member removed from the bundle, said apparatus comprising: a frame adapted to be mounted in operative relation with an anchored cut-off bundle adjacent the cut-off end thereof, a longitudinally co-extensive pair of cooperating parallel rollers of a longitudinal extent substantially greater than the adjacent distance between three tubes of the bundle, means mounting said rollers on said frame with their axes disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the tubes and in closely spaced relation to the cut-off ends of said tubes (1) for movement together within aid plane throughout an area at least equal to the area of said cut-off tube ends so that the opposed peripheral portions of said rollers can be axially aligned with any tube of the bundle (2) for relative movement toward and away from each other, (3) for rotational movement about their axes, and power means operative from a position adjacent the opposite end of said bundle for effecting (1) movement of said rollers together in said plane into a selected position of movement in axial alignment with a selected tube, (2) said relative movement of said rollers toward and away from each other so as to adjust the pressure applied to a tube fed therebetween, and (3) said rotational movement thereof to move a tube pressed therebetween longitudinally outwardly of the bundle.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for effecting said movement of said rollers together comprises: a prime mover means, a cable means, said cable means operatively connected with said means mounting said rollers and said prime mover means, said power means upon being actuated is operative to effect motion of said cable means to thereby transmit motion to said means mounting said rollers for said movement of said rollers together.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said means for effecting said relative movement of said rollers toward each other comprises: a screw means connected to one of said rollers, a motor means mounted on said means for mounting said rollers for said relative movement, said motor means operatively connected to said screw means to effect motion thereto, said power means operative upon actuation to produce motion of said motor means which in turn imparts motion to said screw means to thereby produce said relative movement of said rollers towards each other.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said means to effect said rotational movement of said rollers comprises a drive means operatively controlled by said power means.
 5. Apparatus for use in dismantling a tube bundle of the type including a multiplicity of co-extensive parallel tubes having their ends engaged within tube sheet members and intermediate portions extending through longitudinally spaced baffle members, wherein the tube bundle has the ends of the tUbes adjacent at least one of said tube sheet members is cut-off so as to have the adjacent tube sheet member removed from the bundle, said apparatus comprising: a frame adapted to be mounted in operative relation with an anchored cut-off bundle adjacent the cut-off end thereof, a longitudinally co-extensive pair of cooperating parallel rollers of a longitudinal extent substantially greater than the distance between three adjacent tubes of the bundle, means mounting said rollers on said frame with their axes disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axes of tubes and inclosely spaced relation to the cut-off ends of said tubes (1) for movement together with said plane throughout an area at least equal to the area of said cut-off tube ends so that the opposed peripheral portions of said rollers can be axially aligned with any tube of the bundle, (2) for relative movement toward and away from each other, (3) for rotational movement about their axes, means for effecting said movement of said rollers together in said plane into a selected position of movement in axial alignment with a selected tube, means for effecting said relative movement of said rollers toward and away from each other to vary pressure to a tube fed therebetween, and means for effecting rotational movement of one of said rollers about its axis so as to move a tube pressed between said rollers longitudinally outwardly of said bundle. 